Black Owned Hair Care Brands
The natural hair movement resurgence from the 1960’s has been an encouraging force for women to not only keep and accept their natural afro-textured hair but it also symbolizes freedom, inner peace and inborn beauty. The return to a more organic era is due to the awareness of harmful effects caused by relaxers on the scalp like burns, red patches and alopecia. The desire of black women to straighten their hair is often seen as an attempt to fit into societal norms of what looks “presentable”. Granted some women simply like rocking straight hair and it doesn’t go much beyond that. But for many the idea of rocking an afro, braids, or even dreads can be frightening due to the negative feelings/reactions these styles tend to render. Therefore, it’s estimated that among black women approximately 98% have had their hair straightened at least once in their lives, and relaxers represented no less than 70% of the cosmetic purchases carried out by the population. Over the past decade or so several blogs, sites and influencers have influenced the expansion of the natural hair movement so as to highlight the beauty of natural hair. As a result there’s been a rapid decrease in the purchase of relaxers and harsh chemical straighteners and a move towards more natural friendly products. Also important to note is this movements influence on discrimination seen over natural hair. In July of 2019, California became the first US state to sign into law (CROWN Act) the banning of employers and schools from discriminating against hairstyles such as afros, braids, twists and dreadlocks. Later on in 2019 it became law in NY State as well.
With the booming of the ethnic hair industry it can sometimes be intimidating selecting products to best serve your strands. I’ve compiled a list of quality hair care lines that are not only natural (free of sulfates and parabens) but also black-owned. Why did I decide to only list black owned hair care brands? Well, I believe that buying black is essential today as it helps to close the racial wealth gap, strengthen local economies, foster job creation and celebrate black culture while also serving communities.
So, here we go! Some brands that you count on to leave your natural strands feeling soft, moisturized and luscious are:
Adwoa Beauty — this brand offers an array of hair care products in minimalist packaging. The line incorporates ingredients like baobab oil, spearmint, peppermint and wintergreen.
Tropic Isle Living — this brand is amazing and does wonders for edges and dry scalp. It’s most praised item is its Jamaican Black Castor Oil which has been shown to spur hair growth.
Melanin Haircare — this brand was created by famous YouTuber and blogger Whitney White, who has influenced many to embark on their own natural hair journey. Her line launched in 2018 and is formulated with moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera, argan oil and baobab seed oil.
Rucker Roots — amazing vegan line that uses ginger, turmeric and carrot root oils to moisturize and strengthen dry and/or brittle hair regardless of type.
Alikay Naturals — from the creator (Rochelle Graham-Campbell) of the popular three step process known as the L.O.C. method, this line incorporates natural and organic ingredients to cleanse, condition and strengthen curls.
Design Essentials — an amazing line of hair care with quality products for all hair types. Its line also provides products to maintain extensions and optimal wig care via the use of ingredients like Moroccan oil, avocado oil and almond oil.
There’s surely no shortage in black owned hair care lines. No matter your hair type you’re sure to find a brand that can cater to your hair type and needs. The list above is a great starting point! It’s important to also note that popular brands like Shea Moisture and Carol’s Daughter although originally black founded are now no longer Black owned. Regardless, their products are still amazing so there’s no need for skepticism among Black consumers. But if your goal is to purchase quality hair care products while also supporting black owned businesses try the lines mentioned above.
